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Monday, 28 December 2015

In The Heart Of The Sea Review – The trio that worked together
on Rush consisting of Director, Ron Howard, Producer, Brian Grazer and actor,
Chris Hemsworth are back once again in another epic adventure.

Indeed it is breathtaking!

The film starts off with Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw) travelling
to Nantucket to meet former cabin boy, Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland [younger
Thomas] / Brendan Gleeson [older Thomas]) who was on board Essex to get the
story about a ‘white beast’ that took the life of whale hunters. Hesitant at
first, finally Nickerson starts his account by laying down the logger head
between Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) and first mate, Owen Chase
(Chris Hemsworth) trying to lead the crew to acquire 2000 barrel of ‘whale oil’
for the owners of Essex. Together they set their path with no luck in sight
until they come across a Spanish Captain with an interesting story as to what happened
to his team. Both the Captain and first mate set their difference aside for the
prized possession. Unfortunately the tide takes turns for the worst with
appearance of a massive white bull sperm whale. The Essex gets torn apart and everyone
on board had to defend their lives in the middle to the ocean for months
resorting to unbelievable conducts. With time and resources running out along
with their faith, can the remaining crew members make it back alive to shore?

Larger than life monster!

The last outing of Ron Howard on the F1 circuit was amazingly
matched by his take on the rough ocean. Even the most difficult angle of the vessel
is caught incredibly by an awesome camerawork. I don’t even have to mention
about the whale in question, the sight of the giant is simply marvellous that will
send chills down your spine. Imagine looking at the beast in the eye and
getting whacked into pieces minutes later. The acting was top notch from the
young to the old with Chris taking the cake down to his last bones-pun
intended! Heck, even the CGI created white whale deserves an award! Coupled
with splendid music, this picture is nothing short of the legendary Moby Dick
itself.

Director Ron Howard with his Essex crew.

If you have fear of the open water stay away but if you
enjoy period piece with a twist, row your boat over to catch on board the
Essex!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review – The Planet’s biggest
franchise returns to the big screen with old and new cast.

Where do I even begin? The Force Awakens is set 30 years after
the defeat of Darth Vader with the Universe being split, turning the Rebel
Alliance into the Resistance while the Empire becoming the First Order
respectively. Both parties are trying to locate the last remaining Jedi, Luke
Skywalker, one to destroy him while another for him to lead. His location map is
hidden a BB8 droid which falls into the hands of scavenger by the name of Rey
who stumbles upon Finn at the Planet Jakku. Together they chance upon Han Solo
and Chewbacca after taking a ride on Millennium Falcon. All of them then travel
to Takodana to meet Maz Kanata where Rey discovers Skywalker’s lightsabre. Soon
after Kylo Ren attacks Takodana and take Rey along with him. Han, Chewbacca,
Finn and BB-8 arrive at the Resistance base on D'Qar, where they plan a counter
attack against First Order. All hell breaks loose with a lot new discovery
being made. The struggle faced by Kylo Ren, Rey figuring out her Force, Han
Solo’s confrontation with his son and his fate. (jeng jeng jeng). Who will make
it out alive? Can the Resistance withstand First Order’s new deadly weapon? And
the ultimate question…WHERE IS LUKE SKYWALKER?

New baddie in the block!

Holly heck…talk about a revival! The Force Awakens sure did
bring back memories with a mix of former and new cast being added. With the
usual suspect of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Chewie and the older droids
still hold their candle. The addition of Daisy, John, Adam and tonnes of fresh
face gives Star Wars a breath of fresh air. The storyline managed to continue
where it left off whilst moving towards a new direction. The special effects
only got better with time, the intergalactic music score, the cinematography is
nothing short of amazing. J.J. Abrams did justice and will be awarded handsomely
no doubt.

Run Rey Runnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

I’m not a big fan of Star Wars but this new resurgence did peak
my interest and I must say, I’m not disappointed one bit. If anything, it only stirred
my curiosity even more to find out what is in store for the future. By the time
I finish writing this review, Star Wars will be making cinema history. Rightfully
so since this long awaited flick is definitely worth every penny spent making
it.

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Krampus Review – You better watch out, you better not cry, better
not pout, I'm telling you why…nope not Santa but Krampus is coming to town…

Look out for Krampus if you have not been nice!

Frustrated with having to spend Christmas with his obnoxious relatives,
Max tears off his letter to Santa which ends up in the claws of Krampus. Known as
the opposite of joy bringer, Krampus invades Max’s home with its menacing
minions (think scary ginger bread cookies, demonic doll and teddy bear among
others) to punish his family for lacking the spirit of Christmas celebration. Will
Max’s family survive the visit by Krampus?

Scream you will if you get Krampus's gift.

Just like Krampus, this movie is the total opposite of the usual
joyful Christmas offering. However it’s not all horror and terror as there are
some light moments added in few scenes, you just have to brave thru the scary parts
which can get a bit too much for the younger audience. Perhaps it’s to teach
them a lesson albeit a creepy one.

Gifts to die for!

With Christmas around the corner, it’s not too late for you to be
on the nice list just to avoid being visited by Krampus, that’s all I gotta
say.

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Appoy is a 12 years old boy who is about to sit for his UPSR exam soon and
is often misunderstood for his unorthodox thinking. Meanwhole his father,
Maniam has a bad temper and works for minimum wage after moving into city from
estate to support his family. Appoy’s uncles, Bala is a former drug-addict who
used to work for Da Gou while Dorai turns into a local gangster currently under
Da Gou’s ‘employment’ as well. There is not a day that goes by without either one
of them getting into trouble. Appoy struggling with his studies and getting accepted
by his friends, Maniam trying to make ends meet, Bala having a drug relapse whereas
Dorai is faced with a new rivalry from a local drug dealer. Their lives change
when struck by tragedy. Will Appoy be able to resist the wrong path taken by
uncles or end up being another hopeless estate by product?

Where will Appoy end up?

Finally a local
Tamil movie that is not one those trying-to-copy-their-Indian-counterpart. Here
is a story where our own Malaysian Indians can relate to. No sing and dance
routine, just pure gut and glory or rather the struggle faced by then abandoned
estate workers who were left to fend for themselves. Kudos to the cast who are
mainly new faces, regardless of being newbie, they managed to represent their
role well. Besides the storyline and cast, the filming locations were simply
breath-taking. There is no need to travel so far, it’s all is right in our own backyard!

I truly enjoyed
the movie because I grew up in the 90’s. Trying to fit in and figuring out life
just like Appoy did. Memorising those darn ‘sifir 12’! Ugh (I still can’t recite
that damn thing!). Thankfully however I had a better life compared to Appoy. Sadly
though, left with no choice, many unfortunately had to resort to illegal ways
to make money. Starting from petty theft to more serious wrongdoings, it portrays
a harsh reality when there is no one to offer a helping hand. Regrettably, despite
the modernization, some Indians are still left behind and end up being on the
wrong side of the law. Hopefully, this flick will shed a light about Indian
community’s need to leave their former criminal past and step into a better
future. Bravo Jagat!

Thursday, 3 December 2015

Former extreme athlete Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) turns over a
new leaf by becoming an FBI agent after he loses his friend during one of the
stunt. Trying to prove to his superior that he got what it takes, Johnny joins
a group of thrill seeking lads whom are suspected to be the mastermind a string
of daring heists happening around the continent. Think of dropping diamonds in
the poorest part of India and millions of USD in rural Mexican village and
such. After proving his allegiance, Johnny is accepted as part of the team. During
one of the ‘mission’, Johnny reveals his identity. What will happen to Johnny and
what is the purpose of such actions being taken by these modern day sort of
Robin Hoods?

...nope this is not Fight Club.

Goodness God me…the action sequences in this flick is top notch man! I
was holding on to me breath (and seat sometimes) whenever they start their mind-blowing
mission. Right from the start with the high-speed motor-cross to sky-diving to
snowboarding, wave surfing to the most awesomest scene…the wingsuit flying view….fuh!!!
simply breath-taking! Kudos to the
daredevil stunt coordinator for bringing the best of what they do. Coupled with
amazing camerawork and splendid background music, it is a sight for exciting
eyes and ears. Acting wise, no Oscar worthy performances but still rather acceptable.
The storyline is also not bad but does feel slightly under-cooked though.

What is your breaking point ?

Just sit back (if you can) and enjoy the lads trying to achieve ‘The
Eight’!